
■^uy\ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. -7.S J..g._^ f^ 
^helf K^.J^A^Z 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




I * 



POEMS.. 



POEMS. 



BY 



>^' ^«c. 



ALICE HOLMES 



.V 




^^^^WASH\^^ 



NEW-YORK : 

JOHN F. TROW, PRINTER, 4D & 51 ANN-STREET. 

1849. 



THESE POEMS 



ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 
TO THE 

MANAGERS 

OF THE 

Mm-^u\t 3iiatittittnn 

FOR THE BLIND. 



PREFACE. 



The following collection of Poems is a simple offering to 
friendship, claiming nothing on the score of literary or 
poetic merit, and owing its appearance before the public 
solely on the one hand to the solicitations of friends, whose 
kindly feelings have rendered them a little blind to its im- 
perfections, and on the other to the sincere desire of the 
writer, to render some small return to those who have done 
much by word and by deed, to dispel the gloom that oft hangs 
with a heavier pall upon the heart, than even the veiled 
eye that knows no sunshine can feel; and who have 
smoothed that rugged path where no light guides the 
weary feet. 

Perhaps the only interest attached to the Poems, con- 
sists in the peculiar circumstances in the life of the writer. 
She is blind : 

"Not to her returns 
Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, 
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, 
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine ; 
But clouds instead, and ever-during dark 



Vlll PREFACE. 

Surrounds her, from the cheerful ways of men 
Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair 
Presented with a universal blank 
Of nature's works." 

To those who sympathize with the stricken, and do not 
despise the humble efforts of a spirit seeking to beguile the 
hours of its own solitude, 

"As the wakeful bird 
Sings darkling, and in shadiest covert hid. 
Tunes her nocturnal note," 

the following brief narrative may not be unacceptable. 

Alice Holmes, the author of this little volume, was 
born in the County of Norfolk, England, in February of 
the year 1821. Her father, a worthy mechanic, supported 
a growing family by his daily industry, until, moved by 
the spirit of emigration, and the hopes of improving his 
fortunes in the new world, in April of the year 1830, he 
embarked with his family and worldly goods for the United 
States. 

To the dreariness of a long and weary voyage, was 
added the horrors of disease, — the small-pox made its ap- 
pearance among the passengers, and among its victims, 
though not of those who were consigned to the deep, was 
the little Alice, then in her ninth year. 

On the 19th of June following, the emigrant ship ar- 
rived off quarantine in the bay of New- York. The fell 
riisease was still upon Alice, but the New World, the land 



PREFACE. IX 

of promise, of which she had heard so oft in the long 
evenings by their English fireside, and which had filled all 
their thoughts and all their hopes, and which now broke 
first upon her vision, left an abiding image of beauty, — it 
was her first and last view of the sunlight on this side 
the water. 

She was taken to the Hospital, with little hope of re- 
covery, and when medical skill had restored the health of 
the body it was found that she was blind. 

Her parents then removed to Jersey City, where Alice 
now dwells. 

In January of the year 1837, through the munificence 
of a gentleman of Jersey City, Alice became an inmate 
of the "New- York Institution for the Blind," the kind 
friend above alluded to defraying the costs of her tuition. 
Subsequently, in 1838, the Legislature of New Jersey made 
an annual appropriation for the benefit of a limited num- 
ber of pupils, who should wish to enter the New-York In- 
vitution, there being no asylum for the blind in the State 
of New Jersey. Alice was thus enabled to remain five 
years longer as a State pupil, at her new home, where she 
gained valuable friends, and a competent knowledge of ^11 
the branches of an English education there taught. 

Of the kindness and treasured instructions of those con- 
nected with and having charge of the Institution, she de- 
sires to express her grateful remembrance. 

She cannot omit kindly mention of Silas Jones, Esq., 
Superintendent of the Institution, and his successor. Dr. Pe- 
ter D. Vroom, now of Jersey City ; also Mr. William Boggs, 



X PREFACE . 

Principal Teacher, afterwards Superintendent of the Bloom- 
ingdale Lunatic Asylum ; Miss Frances J. Crosby, and 
Miss Cynthia Bullock, well known for many beautiful con- 
tributions to the poetry of the day, Miss Ann Smith, Miss 
Josephine Mariuse, and Miss Catharine Kennedy. 

Those who know not the affliction of blindness, and the 
sweet counsels of sympathizing friends, cannot conceive the 
bitter pang with which Alice bade adieu to the Institution 
and the companions of near seven years' communion ; for 
she was a stranger in her own home, and felt that her path 
was thenceforth darker and more rugged. She had been 
passing a pleasant period of life, with every want provided 
for, and every taste gratified ; she was now to enter upon 
life's realities, and make her way by the force of her own 
character. By means of plain sewing, and other han- 
diwork, she has been enabled to gain a precarious liveli- 
hood. To poetry she only turned as a solace in her 
darker hour, directed thereto by a friend, an admirer and 
cultivator of the art, Miss Jean L. Bruce, then of Jersey 
City. 

To the tender care of friends she commends her little 
book, ^^^ the story of her life, trusting that its unpre- 
tending chu*^^^^®^ ^^^^ prove a protection from the pen of 
criticism and k" §^°^ intention atone for many faults. 



Jersey City, October, It 



"49. 



CONTENTS 



A Soliloquy 

Written after returning from Church 


PAGE 

. 9 

10 


Consolation . . . * . . . " . 


. 12 


Dost thou remember Me? ..... 


13 


Written after a Storm 


. 14 


Written after leaving the Institution for the Blind . 
To an Afflicted Friend 


16 
. 19 


Sunday Morning ....... 

To a Friend in the Church 


19 
. 21 


Daily Worship in the House of God 

Faithful Love ........ 


23 

. 24 


To the Blind Girl . 


26 


Christmas 


. 27 


On the Death of an Infant 


28 


A Petition . . 


. 29 


On Lent 


30 


Lines addressed to Miss Cynthia Bullock 


. 31 


On Morning 

On Evening . 


33 
. 34 


Farewell to my Native Land 


36 



Xll CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

On Death 36 

An Evening Hymn 37 

Childhood's Scenes 38 

The Wind 39 

Lines addressed to Miss J. L. B. 40 

A Brother Lost at Sea ..*..... 41 
Lines to a Sister on the Loss of a Child . . .43 

A Prayer 44 

Lines dedicated to the Rev. Mr. Wheeler . . . .45 

To my Cousin 46 

To a Bride 47 

To Bereaved Parents . 49 

Friendship 50 

To a Dying Brother 61 

On Parting with Friends . 53 



POEMS 



My harp is on the willow hung ; 

To me the morning brings no light ; 
No ray of sun or moon T see, 

But one unchanging night. 

I cannot view those gem-like stars, 
That sparkle in the ethereal skies ; 

Nor trace the clouds with golden fringe, 
That o'er the sunset rise. 

Nor gaze upon the blooming flowers. 
That make the face of nature gay ; 

Nor watch the ocean's sparkling waves. 
Where dancing sunbeams play. 

To me the variegated earth 

Would seem one dark, unbroken plain, 
If, in my heart, I had not hid 

Bright visions that oft come again. 
2 



10 POEMS. 

For I through nine fair summers passed, 
With scarce a cloud to shade my way, 

And loved the face of nature more, 
With each returning day. 

But ere a tenth had fully come, 
• My gladsome heart was wrapt in gloom ; 
Lo ! I was banished from the light. 
Condemned to a living tomb, — 

Where even Hope's fair star grows dim, 
With clouds that o'er my spirit rise, 

And hide the gleams of holy light. 
Imparted from the skies. 

But oh ! I will with patience bear 

A grief which none can feel or know, 

But those for whom it is ordained, 
By Him who wills it so. 

And Faith, not Sight, shall be my guide 
To Canaan's fair, celestial shore. 

Where Faith is lost in perfect Sight, 
And darkness is no more. 



Wxiilu uiin rriraing frBin Cjiiirrli, 

When in Thy sacred courts, O Lord ! 

We meet with hearts sincere ; 
To ask of Thee our daily bread. 

Then in our midst appear : 



POEMS. 11 

And give us each a heart to feel, 

That Thou art truly there, 
Waiting to shed Thy dews of grace, 

On all who ask in prayer. 

And by Thy Spirit all Divine, 

Enlighten Thou our souls; 
That in Thy Word we may behold 

The glories it unfolds. 

And when to lure our hearts from Thee, 

Appears the Evil One, 
Oh aid us by Thy special grace, 

His golden snares to shun. 

And for the Faith, delivered once, 

To holy saints of old. 
May we contend with earnestness. 

And in the truth wax bold. 

And when we at Thy Altar kneel, 

To pay our vows to Thee, 
Oh ! fill our hearts with grateful love, 

And deep humility. 

As we the cup of blessing take. 

And eat the broken bread. 
By faith may we behold the Lamb, 

Whose blood for us was shed. 

And ever thankful keep in mind. 

His gracious sacrifice, 
That gains for us eternal life, 

With angels in the skies. 



12 POEMS. 

And through those pledges of His love, 
Which He for us ordained, 

May we gain strength to win the prize. 
That is throu2;h Him obtained. 



€umklm. 

Weep not, weep not, though death's benumbing fingers 
Have rudely nipped a fair and tender bud ; 

In that sweet germ no blight of sorrow lingers. 
But on celestial wings 'tis borne to God. 

Weep not, weep not ; the bud that faded here. 
Now sweetly blooms 'mid amaranthine flowers ; 

In that high, holy, bright, immortal sphere, 

'Tis now refreshed by love's soft genial showers. 

Weep not, weep not ; the bud that ye caressed. 
In sunny climes, by ever-living springs, 

Is now with life, in full-blown beauty blessed. 
And on celestial air, its sweetness flings. 

Weep not, weep not ; in those delightful regions, 
Basking in sunny smiles of Jesus' love. 

Thy tender bud, guarded by angel legions. 
Immortal blooms in Paradise above. 



POEMS. 13 



Bnst tlinii lUmmtor JiU ? 

When shades of sorrow cloud my brow, 

And anguish wrings my heart, 
With fond regret, I think of thee. 

And wonder where thou art. 
When twilight sheds its rosy hue 

In silence o'er the sea, 
My heart in deepest sadness asks. 

Dost thou remember me ? 

And when the wild, wild tempest howls. 

And dashing breakers roar. 
Borne on the winds I seem to hear 

A voice I've heard before ; 
And when the spot where last we met 

1 chance at eve to see, 
I more and more desire to know, 

Dost thou remember me ? 

Or when in pensive mood I stray. 

To watch the ebbing tide, 
I seem to hear thy footsteps fall. 

And think thee near my side. 
But when thy name I fondly call. 

An echo o'er the sea 
Brings back the one unchanging thought, 

Dost thou remember me ? 

And when celestial spirits wait 

To bear on wings of love 
The vesper-song which mortals chant 

To Him v/ho reigns above ; 



14 POEMS. 

Oh, in that sweet and hallowed hour 
My thoughts recur to thee, 

And fondly, fondly do I trust 
Thou dost remember me. 

And when upon my vision steals 

The first soft gleam of day, 
And insect music thrills the air, 

And birds their homage pay ; 
I from my dreamy slumber rise, 

And watching angels flee, 
But whisper, as they soar away. 

Thou dost remember me. 

In joy, in grief, — at eve, at morn. 

And all the livelong day, 
My heart with pure affection beats 

For thee, though far away ; 
And with my last expiring breath 

I'll offer prayer for thee, 
And trust that, in thy latest hours, 

Thou wilt remember me. 



?0rittfn din n Itnrm. 

The dark cloud is past, the wild storm is o'er, 
And the thunder's loud crash re-echoes no more ; 
And the ocean's proud billows, that rolled mountain-high, 
Now calm on its breast all motionless lie. 

The bark that by waves was tossed to and fro. 
Again spreads its sails to the fathomless blue ; 



POEMS. 15 

And the bright orb of day, that vanished awhile, 
Is cheering the earth again with its smile. 

And rude boisterous winds, that howled through green trees, 
Are now giving place to a soft summer breeze ; 
And birds, to the mountains for refuge that flew. 
Are warbling to God the praise to Him due. 

And wild blooming flowers, that drank of the rain, 
Are shedding sweet perfume o'er dale, hill, and plain ; 
And the large drops that fell, like tears from the sky, 
Now gem-like, embroider the beds where they lie. 

The lowing of herds is passing away. 
And again on the hills the young lambs are at play, 
And the bee, that had ceased from his labors awhile, 
Is basking again in the sunbeam's smile. 

Insects that thirsted, are filling the air 
With songs of thanksgiving, for answer to prayer. 
And the earth's summer robe, that faded had been, 
Is turning again to a beautiful green. 

Though wild was the tempest, and dark was the cloud, 
And harsh was the thunder that echoed so loud^ 
Yet nature rejoices, since these are all past, 
And fear and dismay are now fled in the blast. 



16 . POEMS 



WMm m knniirg tji^ SnHlitetinn fnr tljB 35lint 

Adieu, adieu, my long-loved home, 

Where genial spirits dwell, 
For I must bid thy hearth and halls. 

This day, a sad farewell. 
Thy vesper-bell will peal at eve. 

But not, alas ! for me, 
For I shall be alone and sad, 

Far, far away from thee ! 

Adieu, adieu, my guides beloved, 

I may no longer share 
Your kind regards, your patient toil. 

Your ever-watchful care. 
Fain, fain with you I'd linger still, 

And more of knowledge gain ; 
But 'tis decreed that I must go. 

The wish to stay is vain. 

Adieu, adieu, companions dear, 

My sisters, brothers, friends ; 
This day completes my stay with you, 

This day our union ends. 
But oh ! how can I, can I bear 

To hear the death-like knell. 
That bids me tear my heart away 

From those I love so well ? 

Adieu, adieu ! it must be so ! 

The moment now is near * 
That bids me haste from you away, 

My long-loved schoolmates dear. 



POEMS. 17 

When ye this eve at vespers meet, 

To chant a choral lay, 
Oh, breathe for me one heartfelt prayer, 

Who will be far away. 

Adieu, adieu, ye noble sires. 

Whose philanthropic hearts 
Have formed a plan, that e'en the blind 

May learn the useful arts. 
Expressions fit your praise to speak 

I know not where to find ; 
May God reward your efforts made 

To educate the blind. 

Adieu, adieu, too happy hours 

That learning did employ. 
And gave for every moment's toil 

A sweet reward of joy : 
For they will be no longer mine, 

My schoolday joys are o'er ; 
Far dearer should I prize them now. 

Could they return once more. 

Adieu, adieu to morning walks 

Along the Hudson's side, 
Where oft amid the rocks we heard 

The music of the tide : 
And wanderings at twilight hour. 

Through grove, by hill and stream. 
That I have ever fondly prized, 

But dearer now they seem. 

Adieu, adieu to music's charm, 
From it, too, I must part ; 
2* 



18 POEMS 



Much shall I miss its magic power 
To cheer my lonely heart. 

Adieu, ye birds at early dawn 
That near my casement sung, 

While all around the waking flowers 
Their soft, sweet odors flung. 

Adieu, adieu, ye trees and flowers, 

And pleasant play-grounds all ; 
A voice for me is calling now 

From yonder front-door hall. 
This stately domicil demands 

A parting farewell, too ; 
But oh ! 'tis sad to all we've loved 

At once to bid adieu ! 

Adieu, adieu, my cloister-home. 

With ^11 thy hallowed ties ; 
The precepts thou hast given me 

Most dearly I shall prize. 
Trials perchance await me now, 

I know not yet my lot ; 
But be it weal, or be it woe. 

Thou shalt not be forgot. 

Adieu, once more, ye loved ones all ! 

Forgive these gushing tears, 
And all the wrongs I you have done 

Through even by-gone years. 
Still in your hearts oh let me live, 

Till ye are called to die ; — 
Oh, now they lead me to the gate ! 

Loved home — good bye — good bye ! 



POEMS. 19 



Oh, why dost thou mourn for the dead ? 

Though fondest of ties have been riven, 
The spirit withdrawn from the earth 

Serenely awaits thee in heaven. 
Though thou must here linger awhile, 

Where hope is e'er shaded by fears, 
The harvest of joy shall they reap 

Whose seed-time is watered by tears. 

But oh ! if in God be thy trust. 

How sweet is the promise that's given ! 
The mourner He'll lift from the dust, 

To crown her with triumph in heaven. 
There, in the blest regions above, 

God wipes away tears from all eyes, 
And 'neath the broad sky of His love 

No dark cloud of sorrow can rise. 



Oh, holy day ! we hail thy dawn, 

That gently wakes the sleeping earth. 

For peace and rest with thee are born, 
And joy that fills the soul with mirth. 

Thy holy beams all toil repel, 
And bid men for a while retire 



20 POEMS. 

From scenes where care and business dwell, 
And oft their votaries expire. 

And in thy sacred hours we learn 

Our Heavenly Father's gracious will, 

When to His holy word we turn, 
And seek the truths it doth reveal. 

Or when His hallowed courts we tread, 
In humble faith with love combined, 

And hear of Christ, our living Head, 
Through His ambassadors divine. 

And in the joys thy mornings bring, 
A pure and beauteous type is given 

Of that unchanging glorious spring. 
Which saints of light enjoy in heaven. 

For as thy hours of joy and peace 
Succeed the week of anxious care, 

So doth eternal happiness 

With God, the Christian's trials here. 



And in thy name what joy is born, 
While holy oracles disclose. 

That once on thy auspicious morn 
The Sun of Righteousness arose. 



Oh may this truth our souls pervade, 
Whene'er thy light illumes the sky, 

That we may strive with Christ, our Head, 
From death to rise triumphantly. 



POEMS 



21 



And may thy holy beams be shed 

Where'er the sun's bright rays are known, 
Till all our race, of every grade, 

With one accord thy influence own. 



€n a /ritni in tjiB Cjitirrlj inlin mm gntng nmEt(. 

Our hearts are filled with fond regret, 

While thee we bid farewell, 
Whose cherished form we loved to meet, 

Where God delights to dwell. 



"&■ 



For oh ! what tongue can ever speak 
The joys which we have known, 

When by our pastor kindly led, 
Jehovah's love to own. 

As daily in His sacred courts, 

We met in number few. 
But joined in faith, from springs of love 

We living waters drew. 

And oft in sweet communion knelt 

Around that hallowed shrine, 
Where Christ vouchsafed our souls to feed 

On banquets most divine. 

And with the pure angelic host 
We joined our thankful songs, 

In adoration of the Lamb, 
To whom all praise belongs. 



22 POEMS. 

And must we, must we, sever now ? 

Oh, must we loose the tie, 
That binds our hearts in union sweet, 

While passing to the sky ? 

Must we indeed no longer meet 

Within that hallowed place. 
Where we have loved to meet our God, 

And seek His aiding grace ? 

Oh yes, alas ! 'tis even so ; 

We must asunder part ; 
Though great to us will be the loss 

Of thy warm, tender heart. 

But at our Father's gracious will, 

Oh let us not repine. 
But trust that all our trials here. 

Are sent in love benign. 

And in our hearts we'll cherish still, 
The friend that now we love ; 

Relying on the joyous hope. 
That we shall meet above. 

Where Christ, the bright and morning star, 

Shall be our constant light, 
To whom with angels we'll ascribe 

Both majesty and might. 

Adieu, adieu ! a little while, 

And may our Father's hand 
Guide thee safe through this darksome world, 

To yonder spirit-land. 



POEMS 



Bailif IBnrstii}! in tji^ Mum nf (BA 

What sacred gleams of heavenly joy- 
To us each morning brings, 

Who in Thy courts this hour employ, 
To praise Thee, King of kings. 

For as we hold communion sweet, 

Strengthened by holy ties, 
While here together we repeat 

Our anthems to the skies, 

And lowly bend before Thy shrine, 

Thy love a halo flings 
Around our head, and joys divine 

Come as on seraph's wings. 

Yea, though our number small may be. 

Thy promise still remains ; 
Amid the praying two or three, 

Thy blissful presence reigns. 

On those who here reveal Thy will, 
Shed beams of heavenly light, 

That they to Zion's holy hill 
May guide our steps aright. 

And oh, increase the joy and love. 
That flow from prayer and praise, 

Till in the blissful realms above, 
An endless song we raise. 



23 



24 P O E M s » 



/iiitljftil %uh 

The clear evening sky was mantled in blue, 

And flow'rets that slept were covered with dew ; 

Laden with perfume, a soft summer breeze 

Came floating along through whispering trees ; 

Enthroned above, the fair queen of night 

Was tinging the sea with silvery light, 

And bright gleaming stars that circled her brow, 

Glanced down amazed on the beauties below. 

'Neath ocean's calm breast, its billows and waves 

Had sunk to repose in the coral caves : 

Nature seemed praising in silence her Lord, 

Who s^ave to her, birth by power of His word. 

Such was the fair evening, so lonely and still. 

When by the side of a clear mountain rill, 

'Neath an old oak's boughs that were waving there, 

A maiden breathed for her lover a prayer ; 

For hither had been their chosen retreat. 

At still even-tide, when fond lovers meet. 

Now lonely each night she knelt by that stream. 

Whose murmurings low, seemed charmed with her theme. 

As softly she spoke, in tones sweet and clear, 

One might have fancied a seraph was near. 

While her hands were clasped on her snow-white breast, 

A small golden heart to her own was pressed. 

Which she had received as a parting pledge 

'Neath the old oak tree at that streamlet's edge. 

Solemn and pure was the prayer of love. 

That rose from her heart to the Throne above, 

For his safe return, who was dearer far 

Than the morning sun or the evening star. 



POEMS. 25 

His duly was now in a distant land 

To hazard his life with a noble band. 

In the toils of war he was called to share, 

And a soldier's part for his country bear. 

A tear-drop rolled from her soft blue eye, 

As upward she gazed at the starlit sky, 

Watching perchance some angel's flight 

That bore on his wings her request each night ; 

For hers was the prayer of faith and of love 

That ever finds grace in that world above. 

Though Heaven may please awhile to delay 

The favor that's sought from day to day. 

Still it hearkens and hears, and will answer give 

To such as by faith its bounties receive. 

And so did it prove with that maiden fair, 

Whose pure faith banished all gloom and despair. 

Lo, at the same hour, the next even-tide, 
There knelt by her one, that called her his bride. 
Who had hastened from war to fulfil his vow. 
While victory's wreath was fresh on his brow. 
And, hand joined in hand by that mountain stream, _ 
They sat to rehearse love's long-cherished dream ; 
And hovering round came angels of light. 
Soft whispering joy, then winging their flight. 
The bliss of that hour was dear to each heart, 
That love had entwined, now never to part. 



36 POEMS 



€ttB %M (Bhl 

CoTJLD ye but know the blind girl's thoughts, 

When all around her sleep, 
As alone she mourns o'er her sad, sad fate, 

Oh then with her ye'd weep. 

When bounteous morning's rosy light 
Comes streaming from the sky. 

But she remains in darkness still, 
Oh then with her ye'd sigh. 

Or when forth she's led by the hand 

To breathe the open air. 
And hears her name by others said, 

With her ye'd offer prayer. 

Or when gay hearts around her beat 

In joy from day to day. 
While she alone neglected sits. 

With her ye'd steal away. 

When the fair summer's evening sky 

Is tinged with parting light. 
And all but she its beauty see, 

With her ye'd long for sight. 

Or when some fondly cherished friend, 

On whom she does rely, 
Is called by death to say farewell, 

With her ye'd wish to die. 



POEMS. 27 



Or when some kind and gentle voice 

Falls softly on her ear, 
And bids her from deep sorrow rise, 

With her ye'd shed a tear. 

Ah, yes ! when her sad spirit turns, 

In love without alloy, 
To one who does some kindness show, 

With her ye'd weep for joy. 



(Cljristmaa; 

Night's curtain o'er the earth was hung, 
Spangled with stars that brightly gleamed, 

While o'er blest Judah's ancient plains 
The queen of night in splendor beamed. 

When lo, to shepherds watching there, 
Appeared an angel robed in white. 

Pointing to one bright, new-born star, 
Which rose o'er Bethlehem that night. 

And God's bright glory shone around. 

Which filled their hearts with awe and fear, 

While he in sweetest accents told 

That Israel's promised King was near. 

Fear not, that shining angel said. 

But oh, rejoice with holy mirth, 
For I the wished-for tidings bring 

Of the Messiah's promised birth. 



28 POEMS. 

Of David's royal house and line 
There's born in Bethlehem a King^ 

Who to all nations of the earth 

Doth great and sure deliverance bring. 

Go, see yourselves the Heavenly Prince, 
Whom in a manger ye will find ; 

For meek and low doth He descend 
To be the Saviour of mankind. 

Then to heaven's arch that angel swift 
On pure celestial wings did fly, 

And shining hosts of seraphs bright 
With hallelujahs filled the sky. 

Glory, glory to God on high I 

In strains of harmony they sung ; 

Peace henceforth from Heaven to men, 
Through celestial arches rung. 

Oh, like the seraph hosts, let us 

Hail with glad sounds of holy mirth, 

The morn which saw in Bethlehem 
Our great Redeemer's hallowed birth. 



(Dn tljB Drntlj nf m Mml 

Dear infant, though thy playful smile 
Is checked by Death's pale stealthy form, 

Who locks thee in his cold embrace. 
And we its loss do deeply mourn ; 



POEMS. 29 

For oft it cheered our saddened hearts 

When o'er them, care dark shadows flung, 

As morning's light illumes the sky 

With night's black curtain overhung ; — 

Yet to a brighter, fairer world, 

Thy gentle spirit wings its way, 
Where saints their praise with angels join 

To Him whose mercy crowns each day. 
Though in the tomb thy beauty fades, 

As flow'rets nipped by winter's breath, 
Yet thou in yonder spirit-land 

Wilt bloom all free from pain and death. 

Where from the pure celestial springs 

Bright streams of living waters flow, 
And fragrant amaranthine flowers 

On trees of life immortal grow. 
Then go, dear infant, and enjoy 

The bliss that is to angels given, 
And in our hearts thy smile shall dwell 

Till we shall meet again in heaven. 



a :|^Btitinii. 



Oh God, some guardian angel send 
To guide me through life's stormy sea 

May peace and hope my path attend. 
Till I shall find a home with thee. 



30 POEMS. 

But if Thy holy will be this, 

With pain my daily path to strew ; 

Let me submit with willingness, 

And from this world, a hrighter view. 

And when my days on earth are passed, 
And death shall with its terrors come, 

Oh, may my soul be safe at last, 
And borne by angels to its home. 



dDn %nl 

Dear Saviour, now Thine ear incline. 

While Thee we seek by fervent prayer, 
And fill our hearts with love divine. 

That we with joy Thy cross may bear ; 
For we have hailed with holy mirth 

The sacred Christmas festival. 
That tells us of Thy lowly birth, 

When first on earth Thou cam'st to dwell, 

And now with Thee we'll gladly go. 

In deepest penitence arrayed. 
And taste Thy bitter grief and woe 

In the lonely desert shade ; 
And there bewail our sinful deeds 

In weeping, fasting, and in prayer. 
And follow where Thy Spirit leads. 

And joyful all Thy sorrows share. 



POEMS. 31 

Oh, give us grace those means to use 

That best our bodies will subdue ; 
Thyself into our souls infuse, 

And day by day our hearts renew, 
Until the blessed Easter morn 

Shall waft Thy holy Church relief; 
In Faith and Hope may we press on, 

Then share Thy joy, as now Thy grief. 



lira n^iktrnti tn 3ffii33 Cplljia Sfiullnrlt. 

Oh, dear companion, please accept 

An humble strain of mine ; 
For fain my heart some proof would give 

Of sympathy with thine. 
Through many long and changeful years 

Thou wert my constant friend, 
And though by distance severed now. 

In love our spirits blend ; 
And oft at eve I steal away. 

And call to mind the days 
When we in school together sought 

Instruction's cheering rays ; 
For those indeed were happy hours, 

When we had nought to mind 
Save books and friends that did unfold 

New beauties to the blind. 
But thou hadst much of knowledge gained 

Ere I its value knew ; 
But daily, with thy kindly aid, 

My tasks to pleasures grew. 



32 POEMS. 

Thou too in pure and sacred things 

Hast oft instructed me ; 
For many holy truths I stand 

Indebted still to thee, 
Imparted in those happy hours 

When we were wont to stray 
Along the fair, green Hudson's banks, 

As twilight closed the day ; 
And oft with loving sympathy 

Thou wouldst my spirit cheer, 
And make the darkest cloud of grief 

Like one of light appear. 
At other times, on well-tuned strings 

Thou wouldst play for me awhile. 
Or sing some sweet, enchanting strain, 

And thus my heart beguile. 
And other hours I spent with thee. 

Which now I call to mind. 
For it was in them we twined the wreathes 

That now our spirits bind : 
And dear I know to thy fond heart 

Those moments still remain, 
When we in prayer together sought 

Our Father's love to gain ; 
And at his shrine, O may I trust 

Thou pleadest still for me. 
And in the holy Eucharist 

I'll still remember thee. 
So, though on earth we're severed far. 

Unitedly in love 
Let us press on to yon bright world, 

And join the saints above. 



p o E ivi s . 83. 



dDn 3Hnrmng, 

Oh, sweet is the dawning hour, 
When dews like holy incense rise, 

And waft to God, on mystic wings, 
Earth's nnorning sacrifice. 

And fair Aurora tints 

The azure sky with golden light, 
And chases far the sable clouds 

That veil the world in night. 

And angels bright that watch 

Nightly while earth reposing lies, 

Spreading their pure celestial wings. 
Mount swiftly to the skies. 

Or rosy twilight fades 

Before the gorgeous king of day. 
Who from the east rejoicing comes 

In glorious array. 

And gentle zephyrs kiss 

Dew-drops from the blushing flowers. 
That waking shed their odors sweet 

Through fields and summer bowers. 

And on the ocean's wave 

Sunbeams like golden shadows gleam, 
And laughing breezes catch the spray 

That leaps from mountain stream. 
3 



34 POEMS. 

And to the huntsman's horn 

The echoing rocks and hills reply^ 

And beasts of prey that nightly prowl 
Like falcons swift go by. 

And insect voices greet 

With songs of praise the waking day, 
And feathered songsters warble sweet 

To God their morning lay. 

And man from sweet repose, 
Joyful again to see the light, 

Goes forth to toil with cheerful hearty 
Till day gives place to night. 

O sweet and hallowed time, 
Let thy peaceful influence rest 

On all the hours that shall succeed 
To this that thou hast blessed. 



(gTOlDg. 



How beauteous and serene 
Is summer's tranquil night, 

When Cynthia's silvery beams 
Supply the earth with light. 

When stars are gently gleaming 
With radiance in the sky, 

And angels vigils keeping, 
Commissioned from on hieh. 



POEMS. 35 



Though the notes of birds are hushed, 
Yet fragrance fills the air, 

And the winds that softly blow 
No signs of tempest bear. 

When the hum of toil has ceased 
That wakes with early dawn, 

And saints to the spirit-land 
On wings of love are borne. 

While stillness reigns supreme. 
O'er mountain, sea, and earth. 

And Nature seems to worship 
The God who gave her birth. 

Yes, beauteous is the scene 

When night doth daylight close, 

And beneath the gilded sky 
All's wrapped in sweet repose. 



Farewell to the cottage, the garden and flowers. 
Where oft in my childhood passed frolicksome hours 
Farewell to the meadow, the brook and the trees. 
Where the music of birds is borne on the breeze ; 
Farewell to the lane, the green hill-side and glen. 
Whose paths I have trodden again and again ; 
Farewell, dear companions, so joyous and gay, 
For, alas ! I must go away, far away. 



36 POEMS. 

Farewell to the schoolhouse, and the church with its bell, 
That echoes so sweetly o*er vale, hill, and dell ; 
Farewell, holy ground, where my kindred do sleep, 
May angels the brightest a watch o'er it keep ; 
Farewell, dearest friends, first loved of my heart, 
For the changing of time now bids us to part. 
E'en though we are severed, let this be our trust. 
That again we shall meet in the realms of the just. 



How keen is the anguish that nature sustains 
When Death in our midst doth appear. 

And binds from our circle in his icy chains 
The spirits by us held most dear. 

Ah, yes, when a parent we've fervently loved 

Is snatched, in a moment of time, 
From fondest of hearts, who, like spirits above, 

Ever dwelt in union sublime. 

Or when a sweet babe, like a flower just in bud. 

From those who caressed it is torn. 
Though carried by angels to bloom with its God, 

How deep is the anguish that's borne. 

But why without hope should we bitterly mourn 

The lot that must fall on all men ? 
For the just who in faith pass through this sad vale, 

Live where pain never reaches again. 



POEMS. 37 

Oh, then let us find, in the deepest of woe, 

The comfort so graciously given ; 
Though sorrow and death are our cross here below, 

Peace and life both await us in heaven. 



OHj Heavenly Father, deign to hear 
My evening song of praise ; 

For nightly, with a grateful heart, 
To Thee my voice I'll raise. 

Though sore affliction day by day 
Shall all my paths attend, 

Yet still, oh God, at eventide, 
Before Thy shrine I'll bend ; 

And there, oh there, I will pour out 

My inmost soul to Thee, 
Whose never-failing springs of love 

Are open still to me. 

And Thine assistance. Lord, I'll ask, 

That I may rightly pay 
The tribute which each night I owe 

For mercie^ of the day. 

And through His all-sufficient name 

I trust to gain Thy love, 
Who for my sins was crucified. 

That I might dwell above. 



38 - POEMS. 

And when, O Lord, the night of death 
Shall steal upon my frame, 

Oh, may my soul in heaven awake, 
To praise the Saviour's name. 

For 'tis for His dear sake alone. 
That Thou canst justly hear 

The homage which frail mortals pay, 
When they to Thee draw near. 



(PjlilJrljnnFH §xum. 

Dear are the scenes of childhood's days, 

Though long years have passed them by, 
When to our minds kind memory brings 

Our own first-loved and native sky, 
Though o'er us a wild deep sadness steals. 

As we dwell on early joys. 
When hills and glens our play-ground formed. 

And flowers our choicest toys ; 
And when on the green mead's grassy plain 

We sought for the primrose fair, 
And flowery cups of golden hue, 

That grow spontaneous there ; 
When our young hearts beat lightly and gay. 

Unchecked by sorrow and care, 
And gayly we sported and sung, 

As birds that float in the air ; 
And when on each successive morn 

We in the schoolhouse gayl)"- met, 



POEMS. 39 



And learned from books and teachers kind 

Lessons we remember yet : 
Or, when the hours for school were o'er, 

We met on the verdant lawn, 
And merrily joined in sportive plays, 

Oft cheered by the hunter's horn ; 
And when winter spread its snowy garb 

So beauteous o'er the earth, 
Fairy tales we told where glowing coals 

Added cheer to the social hearth. 
And many other joys are known 

In childhood's golden years, 
That never, oh never, grace the path 

Of those in loftier spheres. 
And e'en though mingled joy and sadness 

Fill our souls while we recall 
Scenes that first our hearts rejoiced in. 

Still remembered be they all. 



€^t Whl 



I LOVE to hear the wild, wild wind 
Come marching o'er the sea ; 

For oft, when I am lone and sad. 
It brings new thoughts to me. 

I love to hear the wild, wild wind 
Come howling through the trees ; 

A stronger charm it has for me 
Than softer summer breeze. 



40 POEMS. 

I love to hear the wild, wild wind 
Blend with the dashing rain j 

Though others seem to think it drear, 
To nae it brings no pain. 

1 love to hear the wild, wild wind, 
When all around me sleep, 

For then my heart is drawn to those 
Who perish on the deep. 



tm Mxmii k Mm S. I. %. 

Dear Jean, thy sweet and gentle voice 

Has won my heart to thee ; 
Oh may I hope in days to come, 

That thou my friend wilt be. 

As ivy round the oak doth cling, 

So may our hearts entwine ; 
Thus by the genial warmth of love. 

May yield some fruits divine. 

Then say, fair girl, shall this be so ? 

And wilt thou be my friend ? 
Oh then my heart shall bound for joy, 

When it with thine shall blend. 

Then will I thank my God, and pray. 

That in affliction's night, 
Thou too mayst find some angel-form 

To strew thy path with light. 



POEMS. 41 



% %xni^n Inl at §u. 

Oh say, ye winds, that softly blow, 

What tidings do ye bear 
From seas whereon my brother sails ? 

Or have ye not been there ? 

Alas ! ye seem to whisper low, 
We bring a gentle breeze ; 

The hoarser, stronger winds belong 
To far-off stormy seas. 

Then say, ye stars that nightly gaze 

In silence o'er the sea, 
Are ye with no commission charged 

Of brother's love to me ? 

Alas ! ye seem to answer, No, 
And dip your brilliant light 

Far in in the deep blue inky skies, 
And gleaming say, good night. 

But thou, night's fair, majestic queen. 
That gives the seaman light. 

Hast thou no news from distant seas, 
Or word from waters bright ? 

Alas ! to me thy mild response 
Is whispered in the breeze. 

Though I am known in every land, 
I bear no tales of seas. 
8* 



42 POEMS. 

But what sayst ihou, great king of day, 
When dancing o'er the wave, 

Didst thou no gallant vessel spy, 
Manned by young sailors brave ? 

She was a noble, gallant craft, 
That held my brother's form ; 

And she sped o'er the boundless main, 
As lightning through the storm. 

But ah, alas ! thy steady gaze 

Is on the ocean's breast, 
As if by gesture thou wouldst say, 

Here in the deep he rests. 

And now to me the sea-bird's scream 

Is wafted o'er the surge ; 
Oh, I will join with her and sing 

His melancholy dirge. 

Oh, fare thee well, young seaman bold, 
For thou didst nobly stand. 

While mighty winds the billows tossed, 
And drove thy bark from land. 

But oh, at length a mighty wave 
Thy manly form o'erthrew ; 

And now thou sleep'st beneath the wave, 
Beside thy gallant crew. 

Here rest ye, oh my brother, rest. 

Till the resurrection morn ; 
The sea shall then give up her dead, 
' That to her depths are borne. 



POEMS. 43 

Xini^^ ator^ssA to n fiin, 

ON THE LOSS OF A CHILD. 

Mourn not, sister, for thine infant, 

Whose form we've laid in yonder tomb ; 
For now with Christ, in Paradise, 

His spirit will for ever bloom. 
There, like a tender flower transplanted, 

His infant beauty shall increase 
In that unchanging spring above, 

Where all is happiness and peace. 

Mourn not, sister, oh, so deeply. 

But to thy Maker's will submit, 
Who in love doth now correct thee, 

And who will kindly bless thee yet. 
Let the Saviour's words support thee, 

In this sad and trying hour ; 
Since to realms of life and glory. 

He has called thy cherished flower. 

Mourn not, sister ; God is gracious ; 

He doth thy deep anguish know ; 
In His mercy. He'll support thee, 

If to Him thou'lt trusting go. 
Oh, from thy sadness then awake thee. 

And with Israel's Psalmist trust; 
Thou mayst meet thy sainted infant, 

In yon bright regions of the just. 



44 POEMS 



Oh God ! in mercy lend 

To nne Thy kind and gracious ear, 
While I pour out my soul to Thee, 

In fervent, humble prayer. 

Do Thou Thy Spirit send, 

And melt this stony heart of mine ; 
For constantly temptation calls 

My thoughts from things divine. 

E'en now the tempter comes, 

While here before thy throne I bow ; 
And he is strong in power, Oh God, — - 

But stronger. Lord, art Thou. 

Therefore, to Thee I cry, 

That Thou mayst graciously impart 
Thine all-sufficient aid to me, 

Against the tyrant's art. 

For of myself, I am 

A poor, unworthy, helpless thing ; 
By nature to all evil prone. 

And more by practising. 

Oh, then, increase my faith, 

And all my want of strength supply ; 
And from me take my load of guilt, 

While prostrate here f lie. 



POEMS. 45 

Grant this, for Jesus' sake, 

Thy well-beloved, only Son ; 
Whom with the Holy Ghost and Thee, 

We worship, Three in One. 



WHO WENT AS A BAPTIST MISSIONARY TO SAN FRANCISCO, 
IN CALIFORNIA. 



Go, thou herald of Salvation, 

A wider field is open now 
For thee to spread Jehovah's name. 

Where men to superstition bow. 

E'en though, alas ! we sorrow much. 
With thee to take the parting hand, 

And see thee leave thy friends and home, 
To toil in a strange and distant land. 

But we our prayers in faith will join, 
To thy Great Master, Christ, our Lord, 

That He may crown with much success 
Thy holy services abroad. 

Then go, ambassador of Christ, 
To regions void of Gospel light, 

And spread the tidings of great joy. 

Which angels brought to earth by night. 



46 POEMS. 

Ah yes, to San Francisco's sons, 

Proclaim the Saviour's hallowed name, 

Who left His Father's throne on high, 
And man's redeeming Lord became. 

Oh tell them of His humble birth, 
His life, His death, His sufferings ; 

And how He triumphed o'er the grave, 
And proved himself the King of kings. 

Now, soldier of the cross, adieu ; 

We sigh to breathe the parting knell ; 
But Christ, our Saviour, bids thee go 

On mission blest ; — farewell, farewell. 



€n mt( €nm. 

Dear cousin, though thou our circle leav'st. 

In strangers' halls to dwell, 
Yet I will love thy memory still. 

And ever guard it well. 

As we around our frugal board 

In thankfulness repair. 
And see thy lone vacant seat, I'll sigh, 

And wish that thou wert there. 

And when deep sadness o'er me steals, 

As once thou sawst it did, 
I'll call to mind thy kind-toned voice, 

That in my heart I've hid. 



POEMS. 47 



And when before the heavenly shrine 

I kneel to offer prayer, 
For my own dear brother fondly loved, 

Thy name with his I'll bear. 

And now in return I ask of thee, 

That thou wilt not forget 
The cousin who oft thy playmate was, 

When we were little yet. 

And since in riper age we've met. 

So soon to part again, 
Loved, cherished still thy name shall be. 

As all my life it's been. 

And now with regret I say farewell. 
And hope that thou mayst find, 

Through all the various scenes of life. 
Friends affectionate and kind. 



'Tis sad, fair girl, to breathe 
With thee a parting knell. 

And from our circle lose 
A form we've loved so well. 

But change informs us now 
Thy girlish years are o'er. 

And we, alas ! must part, 
Perhaps to meet no more. 



48 POEMS. 

But thou hast well improved 
Youth's swiftly gliding hours, 

As bees the honey sip 

In sunshine from the flowers. 

And now an orange wreath 
Encircles thy fair brow, 

And we at the altar wait 
To hear the bridal vow. 

Oh may conjugal bliss 

Thy path with roses strew, 

And may thy chosen star 
Shine ever bright and true ; 

And pure affection yield 
Its sweetest joys to thee, 

And all the hours of life 
Glide on in harmony. 

May happiness increase 
With each returning day. 

And friendship's holy star, 
Light, cheer thee on thy way. 

But ere we say farewell, 
Oh, hear our last request: 

Still in thy heart give place 
To us, thy bridal guest. 



POEMS, 49 



The loss, dear friends, that ye sustain, 
Is one that wears the heart ; 

But God, who thus afflicts you now, 
New blessings can impart. 

Since 'twas from His Almighty hand 
Your fondly loved one came. 

Who now has joined the saints above, 
All free from sin and shame. 

And though her loss ye deeply mourn, 

Oh, strive with Job to say, 
Thrice blessed be the mighty God 

Who gives and takes away. 

Who in His wisdom cannot err, 
Though we may not perceive 

The purpose which He has in view, 
When He doth us bereave. 

Oh, then to Him be reconciled, 

Who ever acts in love. 
And He will make your grief 

A future blessing prove. 

And why, oh why, should ye repine, 

That one ye loved so well 
Is early called from this sad world, 

In Paradise to dwell ? 



50 POEMS. 

For, oh ! her gentle spirit now 
Has reached that blessed abode 

Where holy saints with angels join 
Their praises of our God. 

And then, amid that spirit-band, 
She will raise her song of praise 

To Him who sits upon the throne, 
Through everlasting days. 



Sweet are the joys which friendship yields 
When bound by its golden chain. 

Are faithful, pure, congenial hearts. 
Seeking each the other's gain. 

When adverse fortune clouds our path. 

As gathering storm the sky. 
If but the voice of friendship cheers, 

Calmly see the gloom pass by. 

Or when some unexpected joy 
Comes like the summer shower. 

That such returning beauty gives 
To every drooping flower. 

E'en then 'tis friendship that completes 
The new joy that fills the heart. 

For that is scarcely happiness 
In which only one has part. 



POEMS. 51 



Oh, friendship ! 'tis an holy tie 
Connecting kindred souls, 

A brilliant star that sheds its light 
While life its dark dream unfolds. 

Oh ! may that tie all hearts unite 
In pure love and sympathy, 

That bright star each traveller guide 
Through the shades of misery. 



€n E Stjing foxnl^n. 

Oh, farewell, brother ! Thou art passing 

From a circle thou hast blessed, 
To that bright world where saints are waiting 

To receive thee as their guest. 
Angels now are hovering round thee, 

To conduct thy spirit there, 
When death shall of thy pain relieve thee, 

Which thou dost with patience bear. 

Oh, farewell, brother ! Thou art dearer 

Than aught else our bosoms know, 
Save our kind father and our mother, 

Who with us lament thee now. 
Oh ! if a while thou couldst but linger, 

To relieve its stricken heart 
Of the deep grief that now pervades them. 

As they see thy strength depart. 



52 POEMS. 

Oh, farewell, brother ! Christ is calling 

In a voice that charms thine ear, 
And to Him is thy spirit soaring. 

Though we strive to keep it here. 
And now from us fades that bright pure light 

That marked thy mild; gentle eye. 
And hushed in death is thy kind, sweet voice, 

Full of loving sympathy. 

Oh, farewell, brother ! Thou hast passed 

Through death's dark and gloomy vale ; 
Thy cares and sorrows now are ended, 

Though thy loss we deeply wail ; 
For we shall no more thy footsteps hear, 

And no more behold thy smile. 
No more receive thy fond embrace, 

Oh ! no more thy hours beguile. 

But, farewell, brother ! We resign thee 

To our heavenly Father's care ; 
He in glory will receive thee — 

Oh ! may we all meet there. 
Still in our memories thou shalt dwell. 

Though thy form no more we see, 
And the deep love which thou hast borne us 

Shall a source of comfort be. 



POEMS. 53 



Say, say not our friendship is o'er, 

E'en though we are called to part ; 
But grant me the boon I desire, 

Still fondly to dwell in each heart. 
Bright, bright in my memory rise 

The hours I have passed with you, 
And warmly I'll cherish them yet. 

Long after we have bidden adieu. 
Still, still, in my heart ye shall live, 

Though distance may sever us far. 
To cheer my sad spirit each day, 

Your kindness shall rise as a star. 
Yes, yes, I will cherish for you 

Pure gratitude, mingled with love. 
And pray your devotion to me 

May please the Great Spirit above. 
Swift, swift have the days fled away, 

Since our hearts in friendship were twined ; 
Unchanged may the wreath still remain, 

That firmly our spirits now bind. 
Deep, deep is the sadness that steals 

O'er my heart while breathing this knell 
That parts me from you, dearest friends. 

And bids me to say, fare ye well. 



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